NEWCASTLE Theatre Royal’s pantomime Peter Pan has set a new box office record as it hurtles through the million pound barrier 11 months ahead of its opening night.

Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Peter Pan will once again feature Newcastle panto legends Danny Adams in the title role, Clive Webb as Mr Smee and Chris Hayward as Mrs Smee.

Tickets went on sale in November 2016 and with more than 49,000 tickets sold already it has surpassed the previous record, set this time last year by the current pantomime Cinderella.

Theatre Royal pantomimes are widely thought to be among the fastest-selling in the UK, due to the winning combination of father and son team Clive and Danny - for whom Peter Pan will mark their thirteenth consecutive panto at the venue.

Theatre Royal chief executive Philip Bernays said: “Sales have been rocketing since tickets for Peter Pan went on sale in November and this is the first time in our history that we have hit the million pound sales barrier for next year’s panto whilst still having so many performances of the current show yet to go.

“After every performance we have seen people race from the auditorium to the box office as audiences look to immediately snap up their seats for the following year which is testimony to the fantastic experience and enjoyment for all the family that the Theatre Royal pantomime offers.”